This is a 10* TOTAL OF THE YEAR On the OVER Rangers/A's.

Both teams have been playing to several lower-scoring affairs of late, but we're expecting a bit of a SLUG-FEST here in the opener of this series.

Texas has seen the total go UNDER in six straight. Oakland has seen the total dip UNDER in two of its last three, including in its 4-2 win over Seattle in its most recent.

Martin Perez (3-2, 1.64 ERA) has been great for Texas, but one has to wonder how long the veteran can maintain these sparkling numbers.

The A's are only 4-6 in their last ten games, but they've picked up the pace offensively of late, plating 34 runs over their last eight games.

Frankie Montas (2-4, 3.55) counters for the home side and he's coming off a "dud," going just 1 2/3's innings in his most recent start vs. the Angels after getting hit in the hand with a line drive.

Previous to that Montas had dropped three straight decisions and he's winless in his last six starts (also just 2-3 with a 5.03 ERA vs. the Rangers lifetime.)

The Rangers snapped a three-game slide with a 7-2 win at LA last night, racking up ten hits and four for extra bases.

All signs point to this one flying OVER the number sooner, rather than later.

Good luck, NP